Average Rail Car Repairers Salary in Kentucky
Rail Car Repairers in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $56,780, which is notably below the national average of $64,980. This difference is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the local transportation infrastructure, and the overall cost of labor within the state. Kentucky's unique position in the logistics network may also play a role in shaping compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,120.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 670 Rail Car Repairers, Kentucky demonstrates a significant concentration of this profession, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.85. This suggests that the demand for these skilled workers is more than double the national average relative to the general workforce. The presence of 0.338 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a robust market for rail car maintenance and repair professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Rail Car Repairers in Kentucky earns-12.6%below the national average.
$27.3
$1,092
$4,732
Rail Car Repairers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Rail Car Repairers in Kentucky have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in skilled trades. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for transportation services, and the need to attract and retain qualified personnel likely contribute to this progression, ensuring that compensation remains competitive within the evolving labor market.
Rail Car Repairers Salary Distribution in Kentucky
The salary trajectory for Rail Car Repairers in Kentucky typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of service can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,400 | $18.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,585 | $20.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,180 | $27.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $70,975 | $34.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $78,120 | $37.6 |
Detailed Rail Car Repairers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,229
Adjusted for COL (89.8)
The average annual salary of $56,780 in Kentucky for Rail Car Repairers presents a favorable financial outlook when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation are generally more affordable. Consequently, the purchasing power of a Rail Car Repairer's salary in Kentucky is likely higher than the nominal figure suggests, offering a good standard of living.
Job Market Context
670
Total Jobs
0.338
Per 1K Jobs
2.85
Location Quotient
Kentucky has 2.9x the national concentration of Rail Car Repairers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Kentucky's Location Quotient of 2.85 for Rail Car Repairers indicates a highly concentrated job market for this profession, significantly exceeding the national average. This suggests that the state is a key hub for rail car repair activities, with a proportionally larger number of these jobs compared to the overall employment landscape. Such a high concentration implies a strong demand and a specialized talent pool, making it a potentially advantageous location for both employers seeking skilled labor and individuals pursuing careers in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Rail Car Repairers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Rail Car Repairers Salary | $56,410↓ 1% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kentucky
Hiring Rail Car Repairerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Rail Car Repairers make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for a Rail Car Repairers in Kentucky is $56,780. This typically ranges from $39,400 for entry-level positions to $78,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 12.6% lower than the national median of $64,980.
Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Rail Car Repairers?
Yes, Kentucky offers a strong market for Rail Car Repairers.While the average salary is below the national average, the significantly high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.85) and a lower cost of living indicate a robust and potentially rewarding career environment.
Is Kentucky a good place to live for Rail Car Repairers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?
Some top paying nearby cities include Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($56,410) and others.
How does Kentucky's Rail Car Repairer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Rail Car Repairers in Kentucky is $56,780, which is lower than the national average of $64,980.
What is the job concentration for Rail Car Repairers in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a high job concentration for Rail Car Repairers, with a Location Quotient of 2.85, indicating the profession is more than twice as prevalent as the national average.
How does the cost of living in Kentucky affect a Rail Car Repairer's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8, Kentucky is more affordable than the national average. This means the $56,780 salary likely offers greater purchasing power locally.
What is the total number of Rail Car Repairers in Kentucky?
There are approximately 670 Rail Car Repairers employed in Kentucky.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 0.338 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Rail Car Repairers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kentucky